Notes on Atom ransomware virus:

Atom virus is a new variant of the Shark ransomware, otherwise known as ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) program. Such fraudulent services allow the amateur cybercriminals to create their own malicious viruses by putting in as minimal effort as possible. Sadly, Atom malware is not new to this business. RaaS builders have been growing in popularity over the last half of the year with Stampado, Mischa and Petya ransomware being just a few of the malicious creations which stand alongside Atom. This business brings profit to the branch owners as well as the affiliates who take 80% of the generated revenue. Looking from the victim’s’ perspective, this Atom ransomware does not differentiate from the ones created from scratch. Once it infects the computer, it puts a virtually uncrackable lock on the containing files and demands the victim to pay a ransom for the data decryption key. The unusual .locked extensions are then added to the document names and indicate that these particular files are now encrypted. To inform the victim about the whole situation, the virus runs the UNLOCK DATA.exe process which generates a pop-up featuring a brief ransom note. In this note, the victim is instructed about the further steps towards data recovery. Though it may all sound very professional, you should not comply with the criminal demands. Please remember that the only thing the parties behind this virus seek is profit. Consequently, the decryption key can be easily forgotten. Since you will most likely be left without your files anyway, you can take some revenge by carrying out the Atom removal, leaving the malware creators penniless. We urge you to use Reimage or other reliable software for the best result.

Questions about Atom ransomware virus

As you can see Atom encryption and behavior on the infected computers is identical to the majority of the ransomware viruses, regardless of their origin. What is more interesting is how this malware is configured. Usually, before releasing it to the Internet the ransomware-as-a-service providers allow their affiliates-to-be to modify this software according to their needs. The novice criminals can easily choose what types of files their ransomware will target, what amount of ransom will be demanded for their decryption, etc. All these configurations are normally carried out through a remote online server. Atom is a game-changer because it allows the users to download the Atom builder directly to the computer. Besides, it uses a more advanced user interface which makes it accessible to even the users who have no idea about programming whatsoever. Either way, this program is extremely dangerous, thus, either you are an affiliate or the target victim, you should remove Atom from your computer ASAP.

How can you make sure your data is safe from this virus?

The cyber security forums are full of recommendations, tips and tricks on what software to use in order to avoid Atom or other ransomware viruses from taking hold of the computer. Of course, antivirus software is a major obstacle for this virus to get in, but it cannot assure 100% protection. A better option is to keep backup copies of your most important documents on external storage drives. These devices should be disconnected from the computer when not in use, this way eliminating all the possibilities of a ransomware virus accessing the contained data through the network. When or, shall we say, if the virus gets hold of your PC the data on it will be locked, but you will be able to recover your essential files from a backup. To learn how to do it safely, please read Atom virus removal and recovery instructions.

How should you remove Atom and is there a way to recover the encrypted data?

If you take the time to backup your files regularly — you are lucky. But do not hurry to plug in your external storage device to your computer and start the recovery just yet. If Atom virus or its malicious counterparts are still in the system, you may lose your closely kept files as well! Before anything, double-check your system with the most reputable anti-malware software you can get your hands on — you can’t be too cautious with ransomware. After the Atom removal is complete, you can then proceed with the data recovery. We would like to emphasize that the additional instructions you may have already noticed below the article are only there help you to run your virus-fighting utility in case this software is blocked by ransomware. You should not use this guide to remove Atom from your computer.

What to do if failed?
If you failed to remove virus damage using Reimage, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

Reimage is recommended to remove virus damage. Free scanner allows you to check whether your PC is infected or not. If you need to remove malware, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool.

Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Atom removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove Atom using System Restore

Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

Click Start→Shutdown→Restart→OK.

When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.

Select Command Prompt from the list

Windows 10 / Windows 8

Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..

Atom recovery method using Data Recovery Pro

Data Recovery Pro is a data recovery software which may help the users in need of quick data recovery solution. Though the danger level of ransomware viruses differ and this program is not necessarily able to decrypt them all, it is worth giving a try. Find out how to recover your data with this software below.

Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;

Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Atom ransomware;

Restore them.

Method of Atom recovery using Windows Previous Versions feature

Windows Previous Versions feature method is one of the data recovery approaches that use in-built computer functions to extract information stored in the system’s memory card. There are some flaws of this method, though: it only works if the System Restore function is enabled on the PC. Try to recover your documents following these instructions:

Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;

Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;

Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

Method of Atom recovery using ShadowExplorer

ShadowExplorer is designed to extract the files from theVolume Shadow Copies that are normally stored on the computer. If the ransomware has not deleted these backup files, the following instructions should help you restore at least some of your documents:

Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;

Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;

Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Atom and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes